Hi everyone.

I apologize if I am not posting this in the right area. I am a little lost in terms of where I should be posting things, etc. Anyway, I was wondering if anyone may be able to help me with a wiring harness [es] problem?

My VIN is 804F005322. I have a 1964 Olds F-85 Cutlass, V-8, 2 sp automatic, and I am stuck at wiring issues before I can move on. It has come to my attention that I need at the least a new Engine and Dash harness, and possibly a forward lamp/rear lamp assembly, I'm not sure.

I live in SW Utah, where the closest metropolitan area is Vegas [about 2.5 hours south]. Anyway, other than the great recommendations for vendors that I found here, I am unable to find the harnesses for less than $731.00 [that's for all 4, with discount - American Auto Wire, part # 04335. Yikes, I can't afford that. I apologize if this is sacrilege, but I just want to get it up and going, not necessarily restore it 100%...

I am seaching for a donor car, and researching other options like salvage yards, etc. Does anyone have any advice for a reliable [and reasonable] source that might be able to help out with this?

Thanks guys - I appreciate any assistance that you may be able to help with.

 

I find that most motorheads are scared by automotive wiring, for some reason. Unless your stock harness has been hacked to shreds, I find it much cheaper to simply replace the individual bad wires and terminals rather than to buy a new harness outright. You can buy new Packard 56 terminals from many vendors, though you really do need the correct crimping tool for them. The generic crimping tools sold in hardware stores do not properly crimp a 56-series terminal. Same thing for wire. I buy rolls at Carlisle, but they are also available from many sources.

Remove the harness from the car, lay it on a table, and inspect. Wiping down with a rag dampened with lacquer thinner helps a lot and won't damage the insulation if you don't use a lot of thinner. You will likely need to cut off the wrapping. This is non-adhesive plastic, not electrical tape. It is also available new in rolls. The terminals are released from the connector bodies using a small paper clip or a jeweler's screwdriver to depress the locking tang. Damaged sections of wire can be replaced with soldered-in splices and shrink tubing.

I find this usually a much better (and cheaper) approach than wholesale replacement.

 

i thought about that Joe, problem is my bulk head and fuse block are toast [molding is cracked, etc], and i would have to find replacements. i don't even know if they are available as individual pieces. THEN, if i am able to find those 2 pieces, i have to but each and every individual wire [and pieces], get the tools, wire each individually, etc. i am capable of this, but the more i think about it, the more it seems that finding the whole piece is easier on my brain, time, etc.

i figure $731 is my worst-case scenario...

sorry about my lack of punctuation, etc - i suck at typing

btw - any ideas as to which [if any] makes/models have identical wiring, or is JUST my f-85?

i mean identical molding [the 2 piece bulkead, AND the front lamp assembly/engine harness connectors]

 

Is there a source for the glass fuse holders in the fuse block?

 

yes slowolds, i know what you are talking about. most of those seem to be intact and functional. this is a work in progress, and hopefully i am able to update as i get info, and great help, from cool olds owners like yourselves. thanks guys. very valuable info. i really appreciate your help